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‘We’re going to be covering the entire city with drones:’ San Francisco Police Department accepts billionaire’s $9.4M gift

San Francisco police commission accepts tech billionaire's gift, to provide cops with drones, cameras and a massive new office

The money will go to the Real Time Investigation Center (RTIC), which was founded shortly after the passing of Proposition E in March 2024, allowing the SPFD to expand its use of technology for crime-detection and surveillance purposes. Larsen’s prior donations via a nonprofit to install surveillance devices in San Francisco were compromised when SF SAFE purportedly misallocated his money. According to Chief Bill Scott, the money will cover a 16-month lease, allowing RTIC to relocate from its headquarters in the decrepit Hall of Justice until a permanent location is decided on.

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